Pets in parks

National parks and reserves are refuges for native animals. Dogs and other domestic pets (other than trained assistance animals such as guide dogs) must not be taken into national parks, state conservation areas, nature reserves, historic sites or Aboriginal areas, because:

• Native animals see dogs as predators. The lasting scent left by dogs can easily scare small animals and birds away from their homes, often causing them to leave their young unprotected.
• Dog faeces carry diseases which can be harmful to wildlife and people, and also add nutrients to the soil, increasing the spread of weeds.
• If dogs and other domestic pets have frightened native animals away from popular visitor areas, there will be no wildlife for other visitors to see.
• Dogs can interfere with the enjoyment of other park visitors.

However, you can walk your dog in some regional parks. These large, open spaces in urban areas are managed by the NPWS to give city residents recreational opportunities in pleasant, natural surroundings.

You'll find details about dog walking in each of our regional parks below. Please remember to bring a plastic bag to clean up after your dog.